Americans cautioned over Mumbai monsoon, especially on 13 days

Mumbai, June 10 (IANS) The US consulate in Mumbai has listed 13 days between July and September when India’s financial capital may be flooded, causing inconvenience to visiting American citizens. In a detailed travel advisory Monday to Americans visiting the city during the ongoing monsoons, the consulate said that there is heavy possibility of flooding, especially on 13 days.

The dates, which the Americans are supposed to watch out for and exercise extreme caution, are July 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 when the high tides could throw up waves upto 4.84 metres high; Aug 1, 2, 3, 4, 30, 31, when the high tide waves could cross 4.80 metres; and Sep 1, when the waves could measure 4.58 metres.

Timings of the high tides and water levels have been given for each day and Americans have been advised to check local weather reports for updates.

The consulate pointed out that during monsoons, there is the possibility of flooding and heavy rain accompanied by wind could have the same intensity as a tropical storm. It pointed out that the rain had led to loss of lives in July 2005.

Urging Americans to avoid low-lying areas that appear to be flooded, the consulate has advised them to be “extremely cautious” when driving or walking during periods of flooding.

It pointed out that during monsoons, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai will open manhole covers on roads and “there will be no warning markers placed around these open holes”. It cautioned them on the risk of driving or walking into an open manhole.

The advisory added that most flooding in Mumbai occurs during high tides. Mumbai’s drainage system is designed to run off into the Arabian Sea, but if a major storm occurs during high tide, the rainfall backs up, leading to flooding.

It advised Americans to pay special attention to the 13 “dangerous days of monsoons” when the water levels can rise above four metres and if accompanied by heavy rain, the possibility of flooding is very high.